Deyang

Deyang is an underrated gem of a small city in northern Sichuan. It has not only the world-shaking legacy of ancient Shu civilization, but also down-to-earth local food and soothing natural scenery. From Chengdu, it takes just half an hour by high-speed rail, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or a relaxing 3-day, 2-night in-depth trip.

• Sanxingdui Museum: Located in Guanghan City, this museum houses stunning artifacts such as bronze sacred trees and gold masks. It is the top place to explore ancient Shu civilization, and hiring a guide is recommended for a deeper visit.
• Deyang Stone Carving Park: China’s largest urban modern-art stone carving sculpture complex. Its thousand-meter relief wall and giant totem columns have an exotic feel. Admission is free, and it is excellent for photography.
• Deyang Confucian Temple: First built in the Southern Song dynasty, it is one of the best-preserved and largest Confucian temples in western China. Its red walls and dark-tiled roofs are full of classical charm, and the nearby snack street has a lively local atmosphere.
• Xiaoquan Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old town that has not been overly commercialized. Visit Yanzuo Temple to see Ming-dynasty murals, and try the local halal beef pancakes and long-established clear-broth beef.
• Mianzhu New Year Painting Village: Experience Mianzhu New Year paintings, a national-level intangible cultural heritage. You can paint one yourself and feel the charm of traditional folk culture.

Suggested Itineraries

• One-Day Trip (Compact Highlights): In the morning, head to Guanghan to visit Sanxingdui Museum and experience the shock of ancient Shu civilization. In the afternoon, return to the city to explore Stone Carving Park, take photos, and unwind. In the evening, go to Wenmiao Square for the night market and try authentic dry pot and local snacks.
• Two-Day Trip (Slow and In-Depth):
  • Day 1: Sanxingdui Museum in the morning, then tea and a relaxed stroll in Stone Carving Park in the afternoon. Chase the sunset at Xuanzhu Lake in the evening, then snack around Wenmiao at night.
  • Day 2: In the morning, go to Xiaoquan Ancient Town and stroll through a thousand years of history. Try the local beef guokui, then cycle or take a boat along the Jinghu Greenway in the afternoon. Return after enjoying the slow pace of this waterside city.
• Three-Day Trip (Nature and Culture): Building on the first two days, spend the third day visiting Mianzhu New Year Painting Village to experience intangible cultural heritage, or go to Yinghua Grand Canyon in Shifang for exciting rafting, available in summer only, and enjoy the mountain-and-water scenery.

Must-Eat Foods in Deyang

Deyang’s flavors lean spicy, numbing, fresh, and aromatic, especially its dry pots and street snacks. They are absolutely not to be missed.

• Deyang Dry Pot: A local specialty with rich, spicy flavor. Recommended time-honored spots include Yongji Dry Pot and Zhangshang Ganjue. The glutinous duck feet melt in your mouth, and remember to add a portion of konjac.
• Cold Jelly Noodles in Chili Oil: Wang Liangfen is a long-established local shop. Its signature cold jelly noodles in chili oil are a must-order, and pairing them with guokui stuffed with cold noodles is a classic Deyang way to eat.
• Xiaoji Pianfen: An 87-year-old shop. The sliced starch noodles are topped with crushed peanuts and chopped scallions, while the soul of the dish lies in its special chili oil. Prices are very affordable.
• Xiaoquan Beef Pancake: A specialty snack from Xiaoquan Ancient Town. Eat it hot for a crisp outer crust and juicy, flavorful beef filling.
• Granny Xie’s Oil Tea: A long-established Mianzhu shop. Smooth rice paste paired with crispy sanzi fried twists makes for an authentic old-style breakfast.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Accommodation Recommendation: Stay near Wenmiao Square or Bell and Drum Tower. These areas are in the city center, with convenient transport and concentrated food and night-market options nearby. Around 200 yuan per person is enough for a very comfortable stay.
• Intercity Transport: The high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Deyang Station or Guanghan North Station takes only 15-30 minutes, with frequent departures and great convenience.
• Getting Around the City: Taxis and buses in Deyang are both convenient, and Didi rides are easy to get. For farther attractions such as Xiaoquan Ancient Town or Mianzhu, self-driving or taking a taxi is recommended.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Sanxingdui Reservations: Sanxingdui Museum is extremely popular, so be sure to reserve tickets in advance through the official WeChat account. Try to avoid peak crowds on holidays and weekends.
• Dry Pot Spice Level: The local chilies in Deyang have a strong lingering heat. If you cannot handle spicy food, be sure to emphasize “mildly spicy” or “no chili” when ordering.
• Sun Protection and Hydration: The Sichuan sun can be intense. For outdoor sightseeing, such as Stone Carving Park and Xuanzhu Lake, be sure to use sun protection and carry a water bottle.
• Museum Closures: Deyang Confucian Temple and some museums may be closed on Mondays. Be sure to confirm opening hours before setting out.